06 chevy 4x4 center cap problems

[kydick]

dont really know where to put this. have a 2500 2006 silverado 4x4 truck for the last 5 years. have lost 1 of the center caps. the fake nuts loosen up and the caps get loose. when i see a loose nut i just pushed it back in. didnt know they had threads on them. no flat tires to change in that time. get them rotated at service station. seemed like they just started coming loose all of a sudden. anyone know how to fix this problem? thought about using something like a drop or 2 of locktite on the threads. just wonder if i could take them off without busting them. i put this on TrucksByNet.com but hasnt had much activey. thanks

 

[gary49]

The nuts on the caps are plastic. By pushing them in you have likely stripped the threads. Get replacements either at a junkyard or the dealer.

 

[dusty3030]

Dorman makes the nuts too. You can get them by ordering at most major parts store chains or off Amazon.

Look up part numbers here. Runtime Error

 

[pap71]

NAPA auto parts sells them also. When you have your tires rotated tell them to put the caps back on by hand not with the air gun. I have seen guys put them on with impact guns!!

 

[kydick]

most likely what happened to mine.

 

[94BULLITT]

I use a socket by hand to snug the nuts on the caps down. Replace the stripped nuts.

 

[kydick]

how to replace nuts? seems like you would bust the nut or tear the hole out in the cap pushing the nut into the hole.

 

[94BULLITT]

how to replace nuts? seems like you would bust the nut or tear the hole out in the cap pushing the nut into the hole.

To remove them they push through from the back side of the cap. You may have to squeeze or break off the tabs that hold the nut to the cap.

 

[kennyd]

Never use loctite on anything plastic, it will destroy it quickly.

 

[edkemper]

Just a personal opinion. I would do an internet search for replacement center caps. Can't remember the name of the place but online. Cheaper (and excellent quality) than anyplace else, easier to order and customer serve (to verify correct part number) was excellent. If I have to replace my OEM I would never go to the dealer. If I remember correctly, from the dealer I believe it was $79. I bought replacements online for four for $80.

 

[kydick]

checked through a dealer. around $125.00 each. way to much for my pocket book. lost one and the other 3 loose too. so found some on e-bay about $50.00 to get it here. used but it looked like a new one. seems like there should be something that you could put on the threads that would hold them on and still be able to take them off without busting the plastic nut.

 

[edkemper]

I replaced my big rims and tires with stock rims. They didn't come with caps. I looked on e-bay any any other sight listed in a google search. I bought replacements through one of the largest (don't remember their name) replacement cap online store. I bought all four. I drive on bumpy dirt roads for miles at least twice a week. I never had a problem with my caps. The plastic lug nuts have not become loose. I admit, the few times I wash my truck, I gently kick at the nuts straight in with the toe of my tennis shoe. That is the total maintenance on my caps to date. Almost 2 years and they still look and stay on. All four were $80, at most $90. I didn't break a hundred.

 

[kydick]

seems like mine just loosened up overnight..

 

[Cpjlube]

The plastic nuts just snap out of the housing. You can buy them online or at Napa autozone etc. sounds like yours are worn out. Just get online and order a complete set and if you want to get the center cap also. The center cap is just for looks. The plastic nuts actually serve a purpose. You have open ended lug nuts. With out the protection of the plastic nut the studs and lug nuts are susceptible to rust. Seen it happen many times. Just snug them by hand with a socket.

 

[kydick]

does this form still exist?